Wilber L. Fry says he didn't want all this popularity. He simply volunteered his time through the years to make his hometown of New Freedom a better place to live.

But during a ceremony on the Fourth of July, town officials will change the name of Centennial Avenue, which runs parallel to Fry's house, to Wilber Fry Avenue to honor the 89-year-old for his service.

Fry served on council from 1965 to 1973 and was instrumental in bringing a sewer system to the town. He enlisted young men, known as "Wilber's Boys," to help keep the borough tidy by picking up trash.

Fry volunteered as the town's animal control officer for about a decade, and he and his late wife, Mae, paid to have more than 400 cats and dogs neutered.

He's also been a member of the Rose Fire Company for 67 years. He ran with the ambulance for about 30 years and has served as a chaplain for the past 26 years. He still delivers a prayer during monthly meetings and banquets.

"It's all because I love Jesus," he said. "That's why I did all this."

Fry said his life changed when he started attending Turnpike Baptist Church in Shrewsbury at age 28. His father-in-law, Foy Calhoun, was a leader in the church.

Wilber and Mae Fry later transferred to Gunpowder Baptist Church in northern Baltimore County. He's still a prayer warrior for his church, and he prays for dozens of people nearly every day.

Older residents in New Freedom describe Fry as a kind-hearted man.

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Roger Goodfellow was one of "Wilber's Boys." The boys were paid a dollar an hour for their work, and Fry recalled them picking up tons of trash.

Goodfellow said the work helped to teach them values.

Fry said he was proud of the boys he worked with, including those in Cub Scouts, which Fry also helped to start.

Keith Dickmyer, past president and driver of the fire department, said he thinks changing the name of the road to honor Fry is well-deserved because of the his dedication to the community.

Fry said he, too, sees it as a wonderful tribute.

He hopes that when people look at "Wilber Fry Avenue" in the future, they'll remember that it was someone who loved children, old people and the town.

"I hope they don't forget that," he said.

If you go

What: A ceremony to rename Centennial Avenue to Wilber Fry Avenue

When: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Centennial Avenue and North Third Street in New Freedom

- Mason-Dixon Line hugging New Freedom playing host to a new museum. See photo, story at York Town Square blog.